Short break leaves top talent Tommy Martin feeling more determined than ever

St Neots star Tommy Martin insists a break from the ring has made him hungrier than ever for glory.

The former English and WBA Continental light-welterweight champion has not been in action since being pipped by John Wayne Hibbert in a Commonwealth and WBC International title war at the end of January.

It was the first defeat in a 14-fight professional career for Martin and prompted a move into the lightweight division.

But an initial plan to step back through the ropes in April has been shelved with the 22 year-old taking time out for personal reasons.

He said: "I was initially hoping to be back in the ring on one of the two big Matchroom shows in April, but I've put my comeback on hold for a while for personal reasons.

"I'll be stepping my training back up in the next couple of weeks and it is just a case of waiting for the right fight on the right bill.

"My team and sponsors, Junction 17, have been fantastic and I have to admit it has been lovely to spend some quality time with my fiancée.

"We've been engaged for more than a year and this is the first chance we've really had to live as a couple in our own home for any length of time.

"But that doesn't mean I've lost my hunger - far from it. I could not be more determined to challenge for titles again as soon as possible.

"I've been told repeatedly about how much time I have on my side. Now I've decided to listen to everyone around me rather than try to prove them wrong."

Martin was the youngest-ever winner of the English title when out-pointing Ricky Boylan back in January, 2015 when still 20.

He then beat Michael Devine in September to add the WBA Contintental crown to his collection before earning many admirers for his display in defeat against Hibbert.